College Sports Blog

Columnist: Picking two QBs in draft could “hurt Robert Griffin III”

While evaluating this year’s NFL draft, ESPN columnist Ashley Fox wrote that she feels the Washington Redskins made a mistake by drafting Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins after taking Robert Griffin III with their first overall pick.

Here’s what she had to say about the situation:

Washington created an unnecessary quarterback competition that could hurt Robert Griffin III. Mike Shanahan said he couldn’t help himself when he drafted Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins in the fourth round, with pick No. 102 overall, on Saturday. He should have resisted the urge.

The Redskins have had 21 starting quarterbacks in the last 19 seasons. They need stability at the position. They need a clear-cut starter. It appeared that they would have that with Griffin, whom they traded up to get. And then Shanahan got cute and took Cousins, who won 27 games for the Spartans.

Maybe Shanahan can create a clear pecking order among the two, with Griffin the starter and Cousins the backup. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Redskins parted ways with John Beck on Monday morning, clearing room for Cousins. But at some point this season, Griffin will struggle. It is inevitable. And when he does, a fan base that is desperate for a winner will start calling for Cousins. They will want a 23rd starting quarterback in 20 seasons, not the chosen 22nd, and that won’t help the Redskins at all.